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Coco Collection and Sunland Hotels appoint new Group Human Resources Director

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Joanne BrownMaldives.net.mv – Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection, the management group that operates the Coco Resorts : Hotels : Retreats properties, has appointed Ms Joanne Brown as their new Group Human Resources Director, effective March 01. Joanne is based in the group’s stylish resort Coco Bodu Hithi, only 40 minutes from the capital Male, where she will travel frequently to support the HR and management team in the company’s newly built Head Office.

Joanne has forged a strong bond with the Maldives and its people over the years, as she served at some of the foremost hospitality brands with a presence in this small island nation, like Six Senses, Per Aquum, and Jumeirah. Originally from Australia, Joanne started her hospitality career early on with a stint in the Retail sector of the Hyatt Regency Coolum, before she endeavored on her successful path to becoming a recognized Human Resources authority. This path led her through several countries – she went from Hyatt Regency Coolum, to the Radisson Resort Gold Coast Australia, on to Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, and Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia, amongst others – and exposed her to a variety of proven as well as newly created strategies to develop hospitality talent.

“I have a passion for delivering best practice HR, what I call ‘Heart HR’, and I take pride in having been instrumental in ensuring that many of my former junior colleagues have grown into successful professionals in their fields. I am proud to have been selected to head up the HR initiatives at Coco Collection and Sunland Hotels, and look forward to implement the COO’s vision for the company when it comes to employee management and to ensure the continued growth of our team members and resorts alike”, comments Joanne Brown, new Group HR Director for Coco Collection and Sunland Hotels.

Joanne is recognized for her success in training and employee management and, in her most recent position, she was in charge of more than 350 team members and redesigned the existing Performance Management system to better support the individual professional growth of each associate. In her role as Group Human Resources Director for Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection, Joanne will support Mr. Nick Simmonds, the COO of the group, in implementing new training programmes and methods to empower team members, so that smooth operations and satisfied employees will go hand in hand.

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Baros Maldives’ The Lighthouse to present Duval-Leroy champagne pairing experience

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Baros Maldives invites guests and discerning epicureans to an exclusive Champagne pairing dinner at The Lighthouse, the island’s iconic fine-dining restaurant, on 4 March 2026. Hosted for one evening only by Louis Duval-Leroy, family representative and Brand Ambassador of Maison Duval-Leroy, the intimate five-course experience celebrates the harmony between refined gastronomy and Champagne craftsmanship.

Perched above the Indian Ocean with panoramic ocean views, The Lighthouse is synonymous with Baros’ culinary philosophy. Long regarded as a benchmark for fine dining in the Maldives, the restaurant is known for its elegant setting, considered menus, and a focus on precision and technique. This one-night collaboration brings together Baros’ culinary team and the heritage of one of Champagne’s notable family-owned houses.

Founded in 1859, Maison Duval-Leroy is recognised for its Chardonnay-driven style, contemporary approach, and commitment to terroir and sustainability. Independent and family-owned for six generations, the House has been a pioneer in responsible viticulture, becoming the first Champagne house to achieve ISO 9002 certification in 1994, followed by Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne certification in 2015.

Representing the sixth generation, Louis Duval-Leroy brings both heritage and a modern perspective to the estate. With a background in business and extensive commercial experience, he has developed close relationships with chefs and sommeliers across the international fine-dining community. During the evening, he will personally guide guests through each cuvée, sharing insights into the philosophy, craftsmanship, and stories behind every Champagne.

The five-course menu has been carefully curated to complement the character of each pairing. Highlights include Smoked Goat Cheese Parfait with golden beets, paired with Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve; a Black Cod Mosaic matched with Brut Rosé Prestige Premier Cru; and a Lemon Meringue Tart served alongside Prestige Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs.

The Duval-Leroy Champagne Pairing Dinner offers an opportunity to experience Baros Maldives through destination dining, heritage Champagne, and an oceanfront setting.

With limited seating available, advance reservations are recommended. For bookings and enquiries, please contact +960 664 2672 or email reservations@baros.com.

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Awards

Villa Park secures second straight HolidayCheck Award

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Villa Park has been recognised with the HolidayCheck Award 2026 for the second consecutive year, reflecting continued guest trust and consistently strong feedback.

Set on one of the Maldives’ largest natural islands in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) region, Villa Park is a standout choice for families seeking a lush, activity-filled escape. With tropical greenery woven throughout the island, long stretches of beach, and a wide range of experiences to suit every age, the resort offers the space and variety that make family travel feel effortless. From active lagoon days to slower, restorative moments, families can shape each day around what matters most to them.

Villa Park is also home to an extensive range of Beach Pool Villas, offering picture-perfect settings designed for easy indoor-outdoor living. Surrounded by palms and gardens, these private stays deliver the bright, tropical backdrop guests return for and love to capture.

For families, the island experience is elevated further by Park Players, positioned as the Maldives’ largest kids’ club, with a dedicated world of play, creativity, and discovery. The combination of nature, space, and things to do across the island continues to shape Villa Park’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ most trusted family resorts.

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Love

Azur rooftop at JEN Maldives sets stage for Valentine’s Day dining

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JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is set to mark Valentine’s Day with a curated rooftop dining experience at Azur Rooftop, combining ocean views, live music and a specially designed menu for couples.

Taking place against the backdrop of the Malé skyline and the Indian Ocean, the Valentine’s Day dinner is designed for couples seeking an intimate yet lively evening. The experience begins with a Tropical Sweetheart welcome drink, blending strawberry, lime and honey, followed by an amuse-bouche served as a shared moment between partners, featuring romesco mousse in a rye tart.

The dinner continues with a selection of starters including Indonesian chicken satay with peanut sauce and a chilled watermelon coconut gazpacho. A passion fruit and mango sorbet is served as a palate cleanser ahead of the main courses.

For the main course, guests may choose between roasted chicken with thyme and beet jus, seared seabass with smoked paprika mashed potatoes, or beetroot risotto finished with burrata. The dining experience concludes with a dessert sequence titled Kiss Me Goodnight, accompanied by petit fours such as dark chocolate passion bites and strawberry rose macarons. Illy coffee, teas, chilled juices and soft drinks are also included.

Live music performances by Akku will accompany the evening, adding to the rooftop ambience created by soft lighting, décor and panoramic views.

The Valentine’s Day dinner at Azur Rooftop is priced at USD 110 per couple, inclusive of all taxes and service charges. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +960 330 0888.

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